Trending College Hairstyles: 2017

By Jordyn Austin on January 30, 2017

What are some trending college hairstyles for 2017? Many college students are into the latest trends, especially the ones that allow you to express yourself. Since a good portion of college is self-exploration, it is no surprise that many different trends go in and out.

One of the many trends college students, both male and female, follow are different popular hairstyles. I chose three college students to interview on the topic of “Trending College Hairstyles: 2017.”

Delaney Kelly, 22, graduating senior, Kent State University, female

Courtney Pouncy, 21, graduating senior, Middle Tennessee State University, male

Aliyah Bryant, 21, graduating senior, University of Toledo, female

All three students were asked the same three questions, and here are their responses:

1.      What are some hairstyle trends you see with males and females on campus?

Delaney Kelly: “I think some trending hairstyles for women are the dyed gray hair, which is almost an ending trend. I’ve seen a lot of short bangs lately on women. It’s a mix of hipster and artsy. I’ve noticed a lot of women embracing their natural hair … The man bun is obviously a trend among men in college … The middle part is also in for good. I’m a huge fan.”

Courtney Pouncy: “A lot of people are dying their hair blonde and men are wearing high top fades.”

Aliyah Bryant: “For women, I see a lot of ombrè and highlight styles. That seems to be popular right now. For men, I’ve started to see way too many man buns.”

2.      Do you like these hairstyles? (The ones you mentioned)

Delaney Kelly: “I’m a fan of this (natural hair) because it’s effortless and conveys that no one should have to change their hair to look put together.”

“… I think it (man bun) screams ‘I don’t care but I’m also mysterious.’ It makes you wonder who the man behind the hair is. But personally, it’s too grimy for me …”

Courtney Pouncy: “Yes I do. I have a high top fade.”

Aliyah Bryant: “I do really like the ombrè look and when women add highlights to their hair. I think it’s a nice alternative from just a single hair color. I’m not a fan of the man bun, though.”

3.      Would you personally wear any of them?

Delaney Kelly: “I like the natural style, but my hair is so short that sometimes I need to straighten it or it’s flipping out of control in the back.”

Courtney Pouncy: “Yes, I have a high top fade and I had my hair blonde for a while, but I didn’t like it.”

Aliyah Bryant: “I would definitely wear the women’s styles that I mentioned. I’ve actually been wanting to switch it up and dye my hair a different color. I would wear buns, but they would be woman, not man, buns.”

Hair can be a unique way that many college students express themselves. Haircuts, dyeing, straightening, curling, and twisting are some of the many methods and styles used for self-expression. There has also been a shift in what hairstyles are considered “gender specific.” For a long time, buns were only worn by women.

However, like some of the interviewed students said, it has become very popular among men and continues to grow increasingly popular. Some students even take great pride in their hair and the styles simply because they represent their culture. Some new hairstyles for college students even stem from a recent breakup and wanting a new look. Many college guys and girls have done something new to their hair after breaking up with a significant other. A lot of the highlight and ombrè styles (not all), mentioned by interviewee Aliyah, come from girls wanting to try something new or even reinvent themselves after a breakup.

The way a college student styles their hair could also very well depend on how they are feeling that particular day. An example of this would be the “messy bun,” we tend to see a lot of college women sporting. This style is quick and easy for ladies who may not have the time to do their hair or may not have the energy. It was originally a style girls did because they were too lazy to do their hair, but now it has become a very popular and accepted style, no matter the occasion. There are plenty of pictures that show celebrities even rocking the messy bun style on the red carpet.

Here are photo examples of some of the various hairstyles mentioned by the three interviewed students.

Ombre and highlighted hair (image via pinterest.com) 

High top fade (image via pinterest.com)

Dyed grey hair (image via pinterest.com)

Search all other mentioned styles through Pinterest or Google Images for more examples of styles on both men and women. College students tend to have minds of their own, so do not be surprised if you see more unique hairstyle trends going around this year.

Take a look around your own campus: what hairstyle trends for men and women do you see?

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